Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Treatment

When it is found out that the CKD is at stage 2 or 3, a nephrologist should be contacted who can help to:

(1) Slow the rate of decline of your kidney function

(2) Decide if a kidney biopsy might be useful

(3) Diagnose the type of kidney disease and whether it might be reversible with treatment

(4) Manage complications of kidney disease, such as anemia, high blood pressure, metabolic acidosis, and changes in mineral balance

Treatment aims at controlling the symptoms, minimizing complications, and slowing the progression of the disease.

Associated diseases that cause or result from chronic renal failure must also be controlled.

Hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, obstructions of the urinary tract, glomerulonephritis, and other disorders should be treated as appropriately and also treat the serum cholesterol if high.

Blood transfusions or medications such as iron and erythropoietin supplements (to control anemia) Fluid intake may be restricted, often to an amount equal to the volume of urine produced.

Dietary protein restriction (0.6-0.8 gm/kg/day) may slow the build-up of wastes in the bloodstream and control associated symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Salt, potassium, phosphorus, and other electrolytes may be restricted.

Dialysis or kidney transplant may be required eventually.

Psychosocial support plays a major role in improving patient’s quality of living.